This magnificent, scenic hike starts from the picturesque village of Palanzo in Faggeto Lario and reaches the summits of Mount Palanzone and Mount Preaola, following easy trails through the heart of the beautiful Lariano Triangle. While this loop trail presents no major technical difficulties, it does require a good level of physical fitness due to the steady elevation gain. At the main junctions, you will find clear red and white trail markers indicating directions and estimated hiking times. As you climb these mountains, you will enjoy unique views of Lake Como and the villages nestled along its shores, with vistas stretching across the Po Valley to the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Palanzo can be reached by bus via the ASF Line C131 (Como - Torno - Palanzo route); for those arriving by car, free public parking is available near the local cemetery. While exploring the village, we highly recommend visiting the ancient monumental wine press (Il Torchio) and the famous Church of the Soldo.
From the bus stop, we begin our ascent through the charmingly narrow, stone-paved streets of Palanzo. In the village center, a trail sign points right toward the ancient monumental wine press (Il Torchio). After visiting this fascinating, centuries-old structure, we pass by the historic church of Sant'Ambrogio (St. Ambrose) and continue uphill along Via Monte Palanzone. The trail is steep but beautifully stone-paved, leading you directly into a lush forest of beech and chestnut trees. At the next major junction, we turn right toward Bocchetta di Palanzo. As we push upward, the distinctive summit of Mount Palanzone begins to peek through the forest canopy. After crossing a couple of small mountain streams and navigating wide, comfortable switchbacks, you will reach the main ridge line at Bocchetta di Palanzo at 1,210 m (3,970 ft).
At the pass, we turn left to begin our final ascent to Mount Palanzone via its southern ridge. The incline is demanding, but stopping to catch your breath while admiring the sweeping lakeside views is a true privilege. After crossing a gentle hump, the unique pyramid-shaped chapel on the summit of Mount Palanzone (1,436 m / 4,711 ft) comes into view. After a well-deserved break at the top, we begin our descent toward the historic Cippo Marelli monument at 1,310 m (4,298 ft). We follow the dirt path down to Bocchetta di Sciff at 1,255 m (4,117 ft), then keep left to climb first toward Monte di Palanzo (1,391 m / 4,564 ft) and then Monte Preaola (1,415 m / 4,642 ft)—two gentle slopes separated by the Bocchetta di Lavignac pass. From the summit of Preaola, we descend the dirt trail back to Bocchetta di Sciff and follow the signs for Palanzo - Gaggio to return to our starting point. For those wishing to extend the hike, a scenic detour to the ancient Church of the Soldo is clearly marked near the medieval Palanzo tower.
The Triangle's Highest Peak
A rewarding loop to the summit of Mount San Primo. At 1,682 m (5,518 ft), it is the highest point in the Triangolo Lariano, offering unparalleled 360-degree views.
History on the Ridge
A breathtaking climb from Sueglio to the summit of Mount Legnoncino. This trail follows the historic military defensive line, taking you past WWI trenches and fortified batteries of the Roccoli Artesso Group.
The Wayfarer’s Trail (Sentiero del Viandante) travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, with the journey beginning in Abbadia Lariana and ending in Morbegno, to make the hike easier, the route is divided into six stages.
The hike along the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult and is highly doable at any time of the year, though it is best to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in the winter, in this guide, we have divided the route into three stages.
The trek along the ridge kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, though it can easily be traversed in the opposite direction without problems. The total distance is about 37 kilometers (23 miles), to roughly 8 to 10 hours of walking.
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Mount Palanzone Loop
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